Pix4Japan

Bronze Dragon at the Purification Fountain of Osugi Shrine, Ibaraki, Japan・手水舎の青銅の龍｜茨城県・大杉神社

At Osugi Shrine in Ibaraki, water at the temizuya (手水舎) flows from the mouth of a bronze dragon, a fitting motif in Japan where dragons have long been associated with water.

Visitors use the purification fountain to rinse their hands and mouth before approaching the shrine. Read my full write-up and see more photos from my photowalk around Osugi Shrine. I’ve also included links to Google Maps and sources for a deeper dive:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20260603-osugi

Location: Inashiki, Ibaraki Pref., Japan

Timestamp: 2026/06/03・06:42

Pentax K-1 II + Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone

Vermilion in the Rain: Ōsugi Shrine, Ibaraki・雨に映える朱｜茨城県・大杉神社

A typhoon brought heavy rain, strong winds, and an unusually quiet morning to Ōsugi Shrine in Ibaraki. With the grounds nearly empty, I photographed the rain-soaked vermilion and gold architecture while reflecting on the shrine’s history, where Shinto and Buddhism once intertwined, and on Japan’s long tradition of adapting outside influences into something distinctly its own.

Read my full write-up (1-minute read) with links to Google Maps and sources for a deeper dive: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20260603-osugi

Location: Inashiki, Ibaraki Pref., Japan

Timestamp: 2026/06/03・06:40

Pentax K-1 II + Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone

Gold Tengu Fans and Arabesque Vines: The Ornate Torii of Ōsugi-jinja 天狗の羽団扇と唐草・大杉神社の「二の鳥居」

This torii is officially known as the Second Torii Gate (二の鳥居) and stands near the main entrance to Ōsugi-jinja Shrine (大杉神社) in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.

These fans are associated with the tengu (天狗), supernatural beings that occupy an interesting space where Buddhist and Shinto traditions merged practically and philosophically between the 6th and 19th centuries.

Read my full write-up (1-minute read) with links to Google Maps and sources for a deeper dive: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20260603-osugi

Phoenix and Peonies: The Ornate Torii of Ōsugi-jinja｜鳳凰と牡丹・大杉神社の華麗な鳥居

The torii closest to the parking lot at Ōsugi-jinja Shrine (大杉神社) in Ibaraki Prefecture is far from the usual vermilion. Its black-lacquered metal surface is decorated with glossy green and turquoise peony-and-arabesque patterns, along with stylized phoenix motifs.

Location: Inashiki, Ibaraki Pref., Japan Timestamp: 2026/06/03・06:31 Pentax K-1 II + Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone 15 mm ISO 200 for 1/60 sec. at ƒ/2.8

A Rain-Washed Path to Prosperity・雨に濡れた開運の参道

The formal name of this Inari shrine is Saishō Risshin Shusse Inari Jinja (最勝立身出世稲荷神社), which carries an auspicious meaning: saishō (最勝) suggests supreme excellence or victory, while risshin shusse (立身出世) refers to achieving success, advancing in one’s career, and rising in society.

The deity enshrined here is therefore believed to grant blessings for prosperity, financial fortune, career advancement, and success in competitive pursuits.

Although the shrine’s exact founding date does not appear to be clearly recorded, it has a long history as a subsidiary shrine within the grounds of Ōsugi Shrine. Ōsugi Shrine itself is known for enshrining the Great Deity of Dream Fulfillment (夢むすび大明神), making this quiet Inari shrine a particularly fitting place to pray for ambitions, opportunities, and future success.

Location: Inashiki, Ibaraki Pref., Japan

Timestamp: 2026/06/03・06:24

Pentax K-1 II + Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone

15 mm ISO 100 for 13.0 sec. at ƒ/14

Guardians in the Rain・雨に佇む稲荷の守り狐

After photographing the Jiro-sugi cedar (see previous post), I made my way toward one of the entrances to the Ōsugi-jinja grounds. There, I came across two stone Inari fox statues flanking a monument at one of the shrine’s many smaller sub-shrines.

In Shinto tradition, kitsune are regarded as messengers of Inari, a deity associated with rice, agriculture, prosperity, and abundant harvests. One explanation for this connection is that foxes hunted rodents in rice paddies, indirectly helping to protect the valuable crop. The red bibs often placed on Inari fox statues are also associated with protection from illness and misfortune, reinforcing their role as spiritual guardians.

Location: Inashiki, Ibaraki Pref., Japan

Timestamp: 2026/06/03・06:18

Pentax K-1 II + Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone

15 mm ISO 100 for 1/10 sec. at ƒ/2.4

Jiro-sugi Cedar Tree・次郎杉

While traveling to a client’s property in central Ibaraki Prefecture, with Typhoon Jangmi (Typhoon No. 6) approaching the Kanto Plain, I stopped at Osugi-jinja (大杉神社), a Shinto shrine in the small city of Inashiki.

Near the parking lot, where heavy rain had already formed large pools of water, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the towering Jiro-sugi, a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) said to reach approximately 40 meters (131 feet) into the sky.

I would not normally recommend heading out for a dawn photo shoot as a typhoon approaches. However, rain can deepen the colors of shrine buildings, particularly structures painted in vermilion, while wet stone, wood, and foliage take on a richer appearance.

Under the dim, overcast morning sky, I hoped to capture something atmospheric and moody. The rain certainly helped, but it also left its mark on the photograph, with several large droplets visible across the lens.

Location: Inashiki, Ibaraki Pref., Japan

Timestamp: 2026/06/03・06:08

Pentax K-1 II + Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone

15 mm ISO 100 for 0.8 sec. at ƒ/14

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・14:20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

105 mm ISO 100 for 1.3 sec. at ƒ/10

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・14:22

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

58 mm ISO 100 for 1.3 sec. at ƒ/10

Brick Tunnel Beneath Utsunoya Pass・宇津ノ谷峠に残る明治のレンガ隧道

Hidden beneath the forest of Utsunoya-tōge Pass, the Meiji-era Utsunoya Tunnel still carries the atmosphere of early modern Japan.

Officially known as the Meiji Utsunoya Zuido Tunnel (明治宇津ノ谷隧道), the original tunnel first opened in 1876 between present-day Shizuoka City and Fujieda City. The current brick-lined version dates back to 1904, and in 1997, it became the first active tunnel in Japan to be registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (国登録有形文化財).

Ai-no-Shuku Utsunoya in Shizuoka, Japan｜間の宿・宇津ノ谷・静岡県静岡市

The Utsunoya-tōge Pass (宇津ノ谷峠) is a mountain pass on the old Tōkaidō route in Shizuoka Prefecture, that connected eastern Japan with Kyoto, the imperial capital, and later became one of the most important travel routes of the Edo period (1603–1867).

At the foot of the pass lies the small hamlet of Utsunoya, also known as Ai-no-Shuku Utsunoya (間の宿・宇津ノ谷). An ai-no-shuku was an unofficial rest stop located between official post towns on the Tōkaidō route.

Location: Suruga Ward, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Pref.

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・14:12

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/8.0

Astia/Soft film simulation

Resting on the Old Tokaido・旧東海道でひと休み

Dale-chan gets tired more easily these days, especially when our walks involve climbing up and down old stone steps.

On this cold winter afternoon, she found a quiet place to rest at Ai-no-Shuku Utsunoya (間の宿・宇津ノ谷), a historic hamlet in Shizuoka Prefecture along the old Tokaido road.

I also made a short YouTube video from this photowalk around the hamlet: https://youtu.be/y70kKHGZxBc

Location: Suruga Ward, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Pref.

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・14:02

Loyal Companion “Dale-chan”・愛犬のデールちゃん

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/2.0

Latticed Door of Ohaori-ya House on the Old Tokaido Road・旧東海道｜間の宿・宇津ノ谷の御羽織屋の格子戸

Ohaori-ya House (御羽織屋) is one of several historic buildings in the small hamlet of Utsunoya (間の宿・宇津ノ谷), located at the foot of Utsunoya-tōge Pass in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Ohaori-ya House takes its name from a haori, a traditional jacket worn over a kimono, said to have been gifted to the owner by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a historically significant samurai and daimyō (feudal lord) of the middle ages. Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, is also said to have visited the house.

Today, the wooden façades, latticework, tiled roofs, and quiet stone-paved street still preserve the atmosphere of this former Tokaido Road hamlet.

Photo 1

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・13:53

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.8

Classic Negative film simulation

Photo 2

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・13:56

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/8.0

Classic Negative film simulation

Kuruma-ya House on the Old Tokaido Road・旧東海道・宇津ノ谷の車屋

Kurumaya House (車屋) is one of several historic buildings in the small hamlet of Utsunoya, located at the foot of Utsunoya-tōge Pass in Shizuoka Prefecture.

The name “Kurumaya” reflects the transport-related businesses that once supported travelers and goods moving through this mountain pass on the old Tokaido route.

Today, the wooden façade, latticework, tiled roof, and quiet stone-paved street still preserve the atmosphere of this former Tokaido Road hamlet.

Read my full write-up (1-minute read) with sources for a deeper dive:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20260104-utsunoya

Photo 1

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・13:49

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/2.8

Classic Negative film simulation

Photo 2

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・13:50

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/8.0

Where Rengeji Still Lingers・蓮華寺の名残をたどる

A quiet corner of Rengeji-ike Park in Fujieda, where traces of the former Rengeji Temple remain in small local structures: Rengeji Inari Daimyojin Shrine, a traditional teahouse, and buildings with kawara-tiled roofs and wooden facades.

Not every piece of local history is marked by a grand monument. Sometimes it survives in modest places like this, tucked into the everyday scenery.

Full write-up (1-minute read) with sources: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20260104-rengeji

Photo 1

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・10:29

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/1600 sec. at ƒ/2.8

Eterna/Cinema film simulation

Photo 2

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・10:30

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/1600 sec. at ƒ/2.8

Eterna/Cinema film simulation

Photo 3

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・10:31

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/1600 sec. at ƒ/2.8

A Quiet Japanese Garden at Rengeji-ike Park・蓮華寺池公園の小さな日本庭園

A small Japanese garden beside Rengeji-ike Pond in Fujieda offers a quiet mix of traditional details: a white-plastered wall capped with roof tiles, a simple wooden gate, carefully pruned garden pines, clipped shrubs, and a low grassy mound catching the winter light. It may not be as grand as the famous gardens of Kyoto or Tokyo, but that modest scale is part of its charm. Full write-up on the blog with a closer look at the garden’s history, tiled walls, and shaped pines.

Full write-up (1-minute read) with a closer look at the garden’s history, tiled walls, and shaped pines:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20260104-garden

Photo 1

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・09:29

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/4000 sec. at ƒ/2

Classic Chrome film simulation

Photo 2

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・09:31

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/4000 sec. at ƒ/2

Local Symbols Around Rengeji-ike Park・足元に見つけた藤枝の物語

A weathered manhole cover and a small concrete signpost might seem easy to overlook, but both revealed little pieces of Fujieda’s local identity: wisteria, pine, Mt. Fuji, and the city’s connection to the name “Fuji-eda” itself.

I put together a short write-up on the local symbols I found while walking around Rengeji-ike Park.

Full write-up (1-minute read): https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20260104-wisteria

Photo 1

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・09:29

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/4000 sec. at ƒ/2

Classic Chrome film simulation

Photo 2

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・09:31

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/4000 sec. at ƒ/2

Winter Color from a Purple Cloud Tree・紫雲木の冬の彩り｜蓮華寺池公園

The bright green and yellow foliage of these blue jacaranda trees at Rengeji-ike Park in Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture, felt like a small preview of the warmer days still to come.

Blue jacaranda is called shiunboku (紫雲木) in Japanese, which literally means “purple cloud tree.” It is such a fitting name for a tree known for its violet-blue blossoms, and one more reason I would like to return to Fujieda when the jacaranda flowers are in bloom.

Photo 1 Timestamp: 2026/01/04・09:28 Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter 23 mm ISO 160 for 1/4000 sec. at ƒ/2 Astia/Soft film simulation

Photo 2 Timestamp: 2026/01/04・09:34 Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter 23 mm ISO 160 for 1/2000 sec. at ƒ/2 Astia/Soft film simulation

Dale-chan at Rengeji-ike Park, Shizuoka, Japan・休憩中の愛犬（蓮華寺池公園）

Dale-chan stayed up with me through the night as we drove to Satta-Toge Pass for an early morning Mt. Fuji photoshoot, then somehow still had enough energy left for a slow walk around Rengeji-ike Park (蓮華寺池公園).

She is getting older now, so short breaks like this have become a regular part of our walks. One small upside is that she is less tempted than before to get excited about the birds along the pond.

Thanks to her quiet patience, I was able to spend a little more time photographing the waterbirds featured in my previous posts.

Location: Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

Timestamp: 2026/01/04・09:20

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

23 mm ISO 160 for 1/4000 sec. at ƒ/2

Astia/Soft film simulation